You might not have known this, but I am actually from Cheshire. Officially a converted Mancunion now, but if I ever find myself venturing back into Cheshire, I always find myself never suggesting Knutsford for meetings, lunches or dog walks. As to be honest, I find Knutsford a little daunting. I never know where anything is, I don’t understand that scary roundabout in the centre, and unless it’s on that main High Street, it might as well not exist in my eyes.

So when WeBlog North invited me last week to go to afternoon tea at The Courthouse, I was a little uncertain what to think. Mainly as it meant having to deal with that sodding roundabout and I had no idea where to park, but I was excited to go and see more of Knutsford (and I was relieved to find out The Courthouse has a car park!) When I arrived I was a little earlier than the other WeBloggers, so I got to explore.

When I walked in I was amazed with how beautiful of a setting it is. We were dining in the Barristers restaurant, which as its name suggests is set in what used to be the old courtroom; as, if you didn’t know already, the Courthouse actually used to be a courthouse, once upon a time. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in South Cheshire, and has hold host to many a court trial, famously (and disgracefully) the trial of Alan Turning in the 1950s. They’ve really kept the history of the venue at theirs hearts and minds during the renovation, the place is still seeping in it’s legacy. When you walk round the upper level of the restaurant it is hard not to gasp in awe at how stunning the interiors are.

The Courthouse doesn’t just hold host to it’s restaurant, it boasts a 50 room luxury stay, rooftop gardens, the court-house itself and also has a wonderful events and wedding space (which I know they’re holding an open day for soon! Click here for more info).

We were promptly greeted with beautiful loose-leafed teas upon our arrival, and as I was distracted taking in all the artwork on the walls by the extremely talented local artist James Blinkhorn, our afternoon tea was served. We were lucky enough to just catch the tail-end of the Festive Afternoon Tea, which included unconventional twists on old classics, so that they included christmassy influences. As someone dreading letting go to Christmas, I was more than happy to still be eating mince pie and eggnog infused afternoon treats.

However, their afternoon tea menu is quite diverse, whatever time of year you decide to visit. I’d say it’s also worth a mention that two of the WeBlog attendees were Gluten Free and another was Vegetarian, and they hosted them at the greatest of ease, and no one felt left out and everyone left contently full.

I’m pleased now to know a fail-safe place in Knutsford where I would be happy to take my family, boyfriend, or even suggest meeting a client there. The staff were delightful, and the afternoon teas was absolutely delicious. I’m just keen to go back now, and graze my way through the extensive lunch and dinner menu.

Have you ever been to The Courthouse? What did you think?Do you have any other suggestions for me to visit in Knutsford or South Cheshire?
Let me know in the comments below.

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